Buddy Walk celebrates unique character

Bubba Dean and Gabrielle Hardin lead the way as Silver City Mayor Ken Ladner, Grant County Assessor Raul Turrieta, Bayard Police Chief Willy Kerin and others follow behind during the second annual Buddy Walk held last year in Gough Park. This year’s event begins at 10 a.m. Saturday.(Press Staff Photo by C.P. Thompson)

Whether or not you have an extra chromosome, anyone is welcome to have fun at the third annual Buddy Walk at Gough Park on Saturday, hosted by The Arc of New Mexico’s Family Support Network of Silver City and Deming.

“This is to educate, advocate and celebrate those with Down syndrome,” said Vicki Galindo, organizer of the Buddy Walk.

Registration, and the signing of a photo release, begins at 10 a.m. Saturday in Gough Park at 1201 N. Pope St. Then, at around 10:30 a.m., the Sunshine Ambassadors, a dance group with people who have disabilities, will perform.

Throughout the event, there will be music and those with Down syndrome can show off their moves by competing in air guitar and limbo contests. Grant County Assessor Raul Turrieta will emcee the event, with games provided like relay races, cornholes and a cookie face contest — a game in which a cookie is placed on your forehead and the challenge is to get it into your mouth.

Everyone with Down syndrome will come away with a prize, and anyone will have the chance to win one of three $100 Southwest Airlines gift cards — but to enter, you must buy a $15 T-shirt featuring a Buddy Walk logo. Those with Down syndrome, however, are entered for free.

“It’s all about them. We are celebrating them,” Galindo said.

The actual walk begins at noon, when everyone will walk with the three grand marshals — Turrieta, Silver City Mayor Ken Ladner and Central Elementary School Principal Margaret Kesler. The walk will be three laps around Gough Park, which signifies the three copies of chromosome 21 that mark Down syndrome.

“It is important that the people be aware of Down syndrome,” Mayor Ladner said. “I would like to see community members who don’t have children with Down syndrome to come and show support for those families. It takes a tremendous sacrifice from the parents with those that have Down syndrome children.”

Galindo said last year’s Buddy Walk brought around 160 people. Benson Perkins, 11, and his family have been to the past two walks, and they plan to go again on Saturday.

“Those who know him realize he has unique challenges but has a lot to contribute to school, family and any environment he is in,” said Will Perkins, Benson’s father. “He has a huge personality and his own unique challenges. I am hopeful that the community will come out and participate.”